CFL picks: Lions QB Lulay returns for tough test against Calgary

The B.C. Lions’ playoff quest faces a stiff test this weekend.

B.C., 7-7 and tied for fourth in the West, visits first-place Calgary (12-2) on Saturday night (8 p.m., TSN).

The Stampeders are a perfect 7-0 this season at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary has already clinched a home playoff game but the defending West champion is looking to cement top spot and a bye to the conference final.

B.C., which has climbed back into playoff contention by winning four of its last five games, will have quarterback Travis Lulay under centre again as the 35-year-old returns from a left shoulder injury suffered a month ago.

The Lions went 2-1 with backup Jonathon Jennings.

Calgary was held to just 12 points in Montreal last week but quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell still earned his first victory at Molson Stadium.

Mitchell finished 20-of-34 passing for 199 yards with three interceptions but the Stampeders’ defence had three sacks and three interceptions in the 12-6 win.

Calgary has outscored its opponents 204-116 at home and is 4-2 within the West. Pick: Calgary.

Hamilton at Toronto, Friday, 7:30 p.m. James Franklin is back as the starting quarterback for the Argos (3-11). He was 1-3 earlier this year before losing the top job to McLeod BethelThompson. The defending Grey Cup champions can only act as spoilers now. Hamilton (7-7) comes off a bye week just two points out of first place in the East. The Ticats won the two previous meetings. Pick: Hamilton.

Saskatchewan at Winnipeg, Saturday, 2 p.m. The Bombers (8-7) have won three straight to move into third in the West. Matt Nichols threw three TD passes while Andrew Harris ran for 132 yards on 20 carries in last weekend’s 40-32 road win over Ottawa. Saskatchewan (10-5) has also won three consecutive games and six of its last eight. Pick: Winnipeg.

Ottawa at Edmonton, Saturday, 5 p.m. These are troubled times for the Eskimos (7-8), who’ve dropped three straight and six of eight to fall to last in the West. Ottawa (8-6) is coming off a home loss. But rookie kicker Lewis Ward has made a CFL-record 40 straight field goals and 43 of 44 overall. Pick: Edmonton. Last week: 3-1 Overall: 42-23